Rotary shock absorber

ABSTRACT

A rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle between a disc brake rotor and a rotatable wheel of equipment, bicycle or motor vehicle, for providing enhanced suspension. The rotary shock absorber consists of an air-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the disc structure further having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on one side, a sealing boot portion coupled and sealing the central circular opening on the other side, and a circular hub portion nesting inside the hollow disc structure. The hub portion further has six circular through holes, two identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of the six circular through holes, and six lug bolts each having two threaded ends and a smooth body. Each of the six lug bolts is further coupled rigidly and perpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helical springs and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow disc structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a suspension device installed directly on thewheels of equipment and vehicles including bicycles and motor vehicles,and more particularly to a helical spring operated shock absorbingsystem that reduces shock and vibrations experienced during operation ofsuch equipment and vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, bicycle suspension refers to the system or systems used tosuspend riders and all or part of the bicycles in order to protect themfrom the roughness of the terrain over which they travel. Besidesproviding obvious rider comfort, suspension mechanisms improve bothsafety and efficiency while keeping one or both wheels in contact withthe ground and allowing the rider's mass to move over the ground in aflatter trajectory.

Bicycle suspension can be implemented in a variety of ways:

-   -   Suspension of the front fork and front wheel    -   Stem-mounted suspension    -   Suspension of the seat post    -   Rear-wheel suspension        Additionally, combinations of the above can be provided.        Bicycles with suspension front forks and rear suspensions are        referred to as full suspension bikes.

One of the most common automotive suspension systems of the prior artutilizes front and rear shock absorbers such as compression springs tosuspend the weight of the vehicle. The suspension springs used on shockabsorbers in typical cars and trucks are constructed in a variety oftypes, shapes, sizes, rates, and capacities, including leaf springs,coil springs, air springs, and torsion bars. These suspension springsare used in sets of four for each vehicle, or they may be paired off invarious combinations and attached by any of several different mountingsystems and techniques. The suspension system has two basic functions,to keep the wheels of rolling equipment or a vehicle in firm, directcontact with the road surface and to provide a comfortable ride. Undernormal conditions, the springs of the shock absorbers support the bodyof the car evenly by compressing and rebounding with every up-and-downmovement. This up-and-down movement, however, causes bouncing andswaying after each bump and is very uncomfortable. These undesirableeffects are reduced by one or more shock absorbers.

The rotary shock absorber of the present invention is a device which canbe installed directly on the wheels of rolling equipment, bicycles andautomobiles to facilitate absorption of shock and vibrations as theytravel on the road.

ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device and method to enhance the efficiencyof shock absorption of rolling equipment, bicycles and other motorvehicles and ultimately improving comfort and safety of riders.

One object of the present invention is to provide a compact, lightweight shock absorber assembly which will not affect the overall weightof the rolling equipment, bicycles or motor vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is direct application and easyinstallation of the rotary shock absorber system to the wheels ofrolling equipment, bicycles and other vehicles. Also, the suspensionsystem of the present invention will have no affect on intricate orcomplex design of the rolling equipment, bicycles and motor vehicles.

Yet another object of the present invention is the versatility to adjustto different suspension needs of rolling equipment including bicyclesand motor vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a representative side isometric view of an embodiment of therotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an embodiment of the rotary shockabsorber 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an embodiment of outer plate 102 of therotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a representative top view of an embodiment of outer plate 102and axle bore cover plate 180 of the rotary shock absorber 100 of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an embodiment of hub 106 of the rotaryshock absorber 100 of the present invention.

FIGS. 3B-3D are respective representative top and side view of anembodiment of helical shock absorbing springs 102 of the rotary shockabsorber 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of inner plate 108 and sealassembly 510 of the rotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the rotaryshock absorber 100′ of the present invention for bicycles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in theart to make and use the present invention, and is provided in thecontext of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may beapplied to other embodiments and applications without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the inventionis to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with theprincipals and features described herein.

It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodimentshave similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar oridentical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understoodthat such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely forefficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are notto be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the variousembodiments themselves are identical.

FIG. 1A is a representative side isometric view of an embodiment of therotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A,when the rotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention isassembled, it takes the shape of a flat disc with retaining plate axlebore 109 and axle bore 308 that open to the axle 150 of either rollingequipment, a bicycle or a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the internalcavity of rotary shock absorber 100 is filled with lubricant and theentire structure of rotary shock absorber 100 must be air tight toprevent contamination by dust and moisture and leakage of lubricantfilled inside. The main functions of lubricant are to lubricate movingparts and help dissipate and absorb shock and vibration during therunning of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1A, rotary shock absorber 100of the present invention is installed between the wheel 160 and discbrake rotor 112. As shown in FIG. 1A, both the rotary shock absorber 100and disc brake rotor 112 ride on and are driven by the axle 150. In oneembodiment, a splined slot pattern 103 on retaining plate axle bore 109and axle bore 308 of the present invention match and interconnect withthe splines 105 on the axle 150. As shown in FIG. 1A, rotary shockabsorber 100 is bolted to the wheel 160 by a plurality of connecting lugbolts (not shown) mounted through holes 210, and subsequently drives thewheel 160. The rotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention can bea replacement or an additional suspension device to an existingsuspension system.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an embodiment of the rotary shockabsorber 100 of the present invention. The rotary shock absorber 100consists essentially of outer plate 102, hub 106, inner plate 108 andseal assembly 510 and the entire structure of rotary shock absorber 100of the present invention is sealed at both ends by axle bore cover plate180 at outer plate 102 and seal assembly retaining plate 107 at sealassembly 510 respectively. In one embodiment, outer plate 102 and innerplate 108 are bolted together by three sets of plate lock assemblies250. Hub 106 sits inside the plate lock assemblies 250, which furthercomprise a male plate lock 202 and a female plate lock 203. Theassemblies 250 are held together with six connecting lug bolts 210, ormore or less. In one embodiment, hub nose 312 will extend through hubnose opening 412 of inner plate 108, causing the entire seal assembly510 and its tip to extend beyond seal assembly opening 550 of rubberboot 110. In one embodiment, seal assembly retaining plate 107 isfastened on hub nose 312 outside of rubber boot 110 in order to seal theentire rotary shock absorber 100 from the outside.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, the rotary shock absorber 100 of the presentinvention is installed to the wheel 160 of any rolling equipment,bicycle or motor vehicle at the outer plate 102 with six connecting lugbolts 210, or more or less. Hub 106 of rotary shock absorber 100 furthercontains a number of helical shock absorbing springs 302 which offsetand dampen vibrations created when rolling wheels 160 are in contactwith rough and uneven surfaces.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an embodiment of outer plate 102 of therotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention. FIG. 2B is arepresentative top view of outer plate 102 and axle bore cover plate 180of the rotary shock absorber 100. As shown in FIG. 2A, outer plate 102takes the shape of a shallow dish with a flat circular base 172, ashallow side rim 170 and a axle bore hole 108 in the center. The outerplate 102 is divided equally and radially in six sections by sixlubrication channels 190, or more or less. In one embodiment,lubrication channels 190 are grooves which have an approximate dimensionof about ⅛ inch or more or less wide and about ⅛ inch or more or lessdeep and their main function is to allow lubricant within the structureof rotary shock absorber 100 to flow freely to the surfaces on the hub106 as it rides between the inner plate 108 and outer plate 102 when theequipment or vehicle is moving. In each section, there is one wheel lughole 206. As best shown in FIG. 2A, an O-ring 104 that is made offlexible, elastic material such as plastic is placed around theperimeter of outer plate 102. The purpose of O-ring 104 is to preventleakage of lubricant at the seal between outer plate 102 and inner plate108 after they are bolted together by connecting lug bolts 210 andsecured into a locking position by three plate lock assemblies 250.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, axle bore hole 208 is sealed from theoutside by axle bore cover plate 180. The purpose of the axle bore hole108 is to provide access to the hub 106 where the tip of axle 150 isfastened to hub 106. The axle bore hole 108 is sealed during operationof rotary shock absorber 100 by axle bore cover plate 180. As best shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B, axle bore cover plate 180 is a circular plate thathas an surface area larger than axle bore hole 108. In one embodiment,axle bore cover plate 180 is attached to seal and cover the entire axlebore hole 108 by a plurality of sealing screws 207.

In one embodiment, each wheel lug hole 206 is a complete through holethat has an internal diameter matching the outside diameter of thelonger threaded ends 352 of connecting lug bolts 210. The purpose ofwheel lug holes 206 is to provide anchor points to secure connecting lugbolts 210 in position and to secure the angular position of the entirerotary shock absorber 100 on the wheel 160. As best shown in FIG. 3C,both ends of the elongated connecting lug bolts 210 are threaded withone of the threaded ends 352 longer than the other 350. The middlesection 354 of connecting lug bolts 210 is smooth and has a slightlylarger diameter than both ends 352 and 350. In one embodiment, thelonger threaded ends 352 of each of the six connecting lug bolts 210 aresecured at their respective wheel lug holes 206 on the outer plate 102.The length L of the longer threaded end 352 of connecting lug bolts 210must be larger than the thickness of outer plate 102 such that thelonger threaded end 352 of connecting lug bolts 210 completely passesthrough wheel lug holes 206 and emerges on the outer surface of outerplate 102. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the longer threaded end 352 ofconnecting lug bolts 210 is locked in position by outer plate securingnut 151. Thus, the longer threaded end 352 of connecting lug bolts 210extend beyond outer plate securing nut 151 and will then be furtherfastened mechanically on wheel 160.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an embodiment of hub 106 of the rotaryshock absorber 100 of the present invention. Hub 106 is a circular discwith a hub nose 312 at the center. In one embodiment, crescent or othershaped openings 350 are carved out to reduce the weight of hub 106 aswell as to accommodate three sets of plate lock assemblies 250 wheninner plate 102 and outer plate 108 are bolted together by connectinglug bolts 210 during assembly. As best shown in FIG. 1B, hub 106 shouldfit snugly inside the cavity created by outer plate 102 and inner plate108 with hub nose 312 extending through hub nose opening 412 on innerplate 108 and eventually the entire sealing assembly 550. The sealassembly retaining plate 107 is then fastened to hub nose 312 and lockedin position outside rubber boot 110. In one embodiment, seal assemblyretaining plate 107 has a retaining plate axle bore 109 that is shapedto match and align with axle bore 308 on hub nose 312 and the crosssectional shape of axle 150 and flat skirt portion 352. A function ofseal assembly retaining plate 107 is to secure seal assembly 510 inposition on rotary shock absorber 100.

In one embodiment, axle bore 308 is a through hole positioned in thecenter of hub nose 312. As shown in FIG. 3A, axle bore 308 has splineslots 310 which match the cross-sectional shape of axle 150 of the motorvehicles upon which the rotary shock absorber 100 is installed. As bestshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the tip of the hub nose 312 of hub 106 iscovered by seal assembly retaining plate 107. During installation, axle150 is inserted inside the hub nose 312 through seal assembly retainingplate 107 until axle 150 reaches the bottom of axle bore 308. The tip ofaxle 150 is then fastened mechanically on hub 106 to prevent it fromfalling off during operation of the axle 150. With the axle 150 securedin place on the hub 106 through axle bore 308 and matching spline slots310, the hub 106 and subsequently the entire rotary shock absorber 100will be driven and rotate in unison with the axle 150.

As shown in FIG. 3A, there are six spring housings 314 which areessentially through holes with internal diameter slightly smaller thanthe outer diameter of helical shock absorbing springs 302 to ensure atight fit. A single or multiple helical shock absorbing springs 302 nestwith a snug fit within each spring housing 314. The overall shockabsorbing efficiency of the rotary shock absorber 100 of the presentinvention increases as more helical shock absorbing springs are 302used.

FIGS. 3B and 3C are representative top and side views, respectively, ofhelical shock absorbing springs 102 of the rotary shock absorber 100 ofthe present invention. As best shown in FIG. 3B, helical shock absorbingsprings 102 are flat springs shaped in the spiral of Archimedes. TheSpiral of Archimedes is defined by the locus of points corresponding tothe locations over time of a point moving away from a fixed point with aconstant speed along a line which rotates with constant angularvelocity. Equivalently, in polar coordinates (r, θ) it can be describedby the equation:r=a+b θwith real numbers a and b. Changing the parameter a will turn thespiral, while b controls the distance between successive turnings.

Since helical shock absorbing springs 102 are flat, two helical shockabsorbing springs 102 can be stacked together. In one embodiment,stacking a plurality of helical shock absorbing springs 102 willincrease stiffness of the entire rotary shock absorber 100 of thepresent invention. As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, connecting lugbolts 210 go through the center of helical shock absorbing springs 102until springs 102 sit on the middle section 354 of connecting lug bolts210. As best shown in FIG. 3C, both ends of the elongated connecting lugbolts 210 are threaded with one of the threaded ends longer than theother. The middle section 354 of connecting lug bolts 210 is smooth andhas a slightly larger diameter than both threaded ends 350 and 352. Asshown in FIG. 3B, the center portions 354 of helical shock absorbingsprings 102 wrap very tightly on the lug bolts 210 such that there is norelative rotation R between lug bolts 210 and helical shock absorbingsprings 102. It will be understood that the two components rotate andrevolve with the axle 150 of the equipment or vehicle in completeunison.

As best shown in FIG. 2A, the longer threaded end 352 of each of the sixconnecting lug bolts 210 are secured at their respective lug holes 206on the outer plate 102 and secured in position by securing nuts 151. Inone embodiment, connecting lug bolts 210 extend beyond securing nuts 151and are further fastened to the rotating wheel 160. When the hub 106 andeventually the entire rotary shock absorber 100 is spinning in unisonwith axle 150, the rotation will ultimately drive wheels 160 through sixconnecting lug bolts 210 that are fastened on the wheels 160. When thewheels 160 are going over rough and uneven surfaces and vibrations arecreated, the vibrations will pass along from the wheels 160 to thehelical shock absorbing springs 102 via connecting lug bolts 210 and beabsorbed therein. Vibrations and shocks are dissipated and dampened bythe plurality of helical shock absorbing springs 102, consequentlyproviding suspension for rolling equipment and motor vehicles. As bestshown in FIG. 1B, the shorter threaded end 350 of connecting lug bolts210 pass through each of the six wheeling holes 406 on inner plate 108and then are fastened into place by nut 152.

FIG. 3D is a representative top view of an embodiment of hub 106 of therotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention with helical shockabsorbing springs 102 installed. As shown in FIG. 3D, helical shockabsorbing springs 102 nested very tightly inside each of the sixhousings 314 while six connecting lug bolts 210 pass through each oftheir corresponding sets of helical shock absorbing springs 102. Whilethe vehicle or bicycle is running, its axle 150 will turn in directionr. Since the axle 150 passes through axle bore 308 and is fastenedrigidly at hub 106, the rotary shock absorber 100 of the presentinvention will also rotate in direction r in unison with the axle 150.In one embodiment, there will be no relative rotation R betweenconnecting lug bolts 210 and helical shock absorbing springs 302. Whenwheels 160 are going over rough surfaces, vibrations and shocks will begenerated. Since wheels 160 are fastened to the rotary shock absorber100 of the present invention by six connecting lug bolts 210, connectinglug bolts 210 will be oscillating in directions X and Y and thoseoscillations/vibrations will be dampened by helical shock absorbingsprings 302 and dissipated through the surrounding lubricant (notshown). As a result, shocks and vibrations transmitted to the rest ofthe equipment will be reduced. Since there are six sets of connectinglug bolts 210 and helical shock absorbing springs 302 assembliesdistributed evenly around the entire perimeter of hub 106, or more orless, the arrangement ensures shocks generated by wheels 160 areconstantly absorbed during running of the axle 150 in direction r.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of inner plate 108 and sealassembly 510 of the rotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention.The structure of inner plate 108 is similar to outer plate 102 whichtakes the shape of a shallow dish with a flat circular base 403 with ahub nose opening 412 and a shallow side rim 405. The inner plate 108 isdivided equally and radially in six sections and in each section, thereis one wheeling hole 406. In one embodiment, each wheeling hole 406 is acomplete through hole and has an internal diameter large enough toaccommodate a shorter threaded end 350 of connecting lug bolts 210. Thepurpose of wheeling holes 406 is to provide anchor point to secureconnecting lug bolts 210 in position such that there is no relativerotation between hub 106, inner plate 108 and outer plate 102. As bestshown in FIG. 1B, connecting lug bolts from inner plate 108 to outerplate 102 positioned at securing holes on inner plate 406 are secured bythree sets of plate lock assemblies 250.

As shown in FIG. 4, inner plate 108 has a flange 414 on the outsidesurface to accommodate seal assembly 510. In one embodiment, sealassembly 510 further consists of sealing spring 402 and rubber boot 110.The main function of seal assembly 510 is provide a complete seal of theentire rotary shock absorber 100 of the present invention. Sealingspring 402 is in the form of a volute spring, which is a conicalcompression spring with a wider base and narrower top. Rubber boot 110is a hollow conical structure with two open ends, one end wider than theother. The wide base of rubber boot 110 fits tightly within the rim offlange 414. In one embodiment, the entire sealing spring 402 fits insidethe hollow rubber boot 110 with its flat wider base sitting insideflange 414 and its flat narrower top pushing against the narrow top openend of rubber boot 110, the seal assembly opening 550. In oneembodiment, when rubber boot 110 is fitted on flange 414 of inner plate108, sealing spring 402 should be slightly compressed radially to keeprubber boot 110 tightly in place inside flange 414. When the rotaryshock absorber 100 is assembled, as best shown in FIG. 1, hub nose 312will extend through hub nose opening 412 on inner plate 108.Subsequently, hub nose 312 will continue to extend through the sealingspring 402 until its tip is outside the seal assembly opening 550 ofrubber boot 110. As shown in FIG. 4, seal assembly retaining plate 107is a cap with a flat skirt portion 352 and a retaining plate axle bore109 that matches the axle bore 308. In one embodiment, seal assemblyretaining plate 107 is fastened at the tip of hub nose 312 outside sealassembly opening 550. A function of seal assembly retaining plate 107 isto enclose the entire rotary shock absorber 100 from the outside andprovide a matching opening for the axle 150. When seal assemblyretaining plate 107 is fastened, it should create a lateral compressionon sealing spring 402 such that sealing spring 402 is constantly pushingtowards the seal assembly retaining plate 107, henceforth producing acomplete seal of the rotary shock absorber 110.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the rotaryshock absorber 100′ of the present invention for use on bicycles. In oneembodiment, rotary shock absorber 100′ of the present invention isinstalled at the center of a bicycle wheel where a regular bicycle wheelhub is usually located. Rotary shock absorber 100′ rides on a bicycleaxle (not shown) and between two bicycle disc brakes 706 of essentiallyany bicycle wheel system that uses disc brakes 706. In one embodiment,the bicycle disc brakes 706 are shield the rotary shock absorber 100′and prevent foreign objects from getting into the seal assembly 510′.The rotary shock absorber 100′ can be a replacement or an additionalsuspension device to an existing suspension system.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary shock absorber 100′ is a bilaterallysymmetrical structure that consists essentially of two identical sideplates 702, hub 106′ and two identical seal assemblies 510′ to seal theentire structure of rotary shock absorber 100′ on both ends. Moreover,like the rotary shock absorber 100 adaptation for other rollingequipment and motor vehicles, the entire structure is air tight andfilled with lubricant (not shown). Functionally, the rotary shockabsorber 100′ for bicycles is essentially the same as the rotary shockabsorber 100 for motor vehicles.

Structurally, the major differences include:

-   -   Hub 106′ has two identical hub noses 312′ and the axle bore 308′        is a through hole that the bicycle axle (not shown) completely        passes through;    -   Two identical side plates 702 are structurally and functionally        similar to the inner plate 108;    -   Sealed by identical seal assemblies 510′ on both sides; and    -   Coupled to bicycle wheels along the side flange 704 of side        plates 702.

In one embodiment, two side plates 702 are bolted together, by threesets of plate lock assemblies 250, with hub 106′ nesting inside snugly.The system further comprises a male plate lock 202 and a female platelock 203, and six connecting lug bolts 210′, or more or less. In oneembodiment, hub noses 312′ will extend through hub nose openings 412′ ofside plates 702, subsequently the entire seal assembles 510′ and theirtips will extend beyond rubber boots 110. Seal assembly retaining plate107′ and snap ring 708 are fastened on hub nose 312′ outside of rubberboot 110 in order to seal the entire embodiment of rotary shock absorber100′ from the outside. Side plate 702 has side flange 704 along its rim.Side flanges 704 provide anchor points for spokes of any bicycle wheeljust like a regular hub shell. In one embodiment, one end of all bicyclespokes (not shown) are firmly coupled to its corresponding spoke holes707 on the side flange 704 on the side plates 702 of rotary shockabsorber 100′.

In one embodiment, hub 106′ is very similar to its motor vehicleadaptation, hub 106 as best shown in FIG. 3A except for the two hubnoses 312′ and axle bore 308′ through hole instead. Hub 106′ alsoconsists essentially of helical shock absorbing springs 102 nested verytightly inside each of the six housings 314 while six connecting lugbolts 210′ passing through each of their corresponding sets of helicalshock absorbing springs 102. In one embodiment, both ends 350′ of theelongated connecting lug bolts 210′ are threaded and both threaded ends350′ have approximately equal length. The middle section 354′ ofconnecting lug bolts 210′ is smooth and has a slightly bigger diameterthan both threaded ends 350′. The center of helical shock absorbingsprings 102 wrap very tightly on the lug bolts 210′ such that there isno relative rotation between lug bolts 210′ and helical shock absorbingsprings 102 and the two parts rotate and revolve with the bicycle axle(not shown) in complete unison. Spokes (not shown) of the bicycle wheelare fastened at spoke holes 707 on the side flange 704 on the sideplates 702 of the present invention, such that while the bicycle wheels(not shown) are going over rough surface, oscillations and vibrationswill be transmitted via the spokes to the rotary shock absorber 100′ anddampened by helical shock absorbing springs 302 and dissipated throughthe surrounding lubricant. As a result, shocks and vibrationstransmitted to the rest of the bicycle (not shown) will be reduced.Since there are six sets of connecting lug bolts 210′ and helical shockabsorbing springs 302 assemblies distributed evenly around the entireperimeter of hub 106′, or more or less, the arrangement ensures shocksgenerated are constantly absorbed.

In one embodiment, the length of hub noses 312′ should be approximately50% or more or less proportionally longer than its adaptation in motorvehicle hub nose 312. Additionally, the tip of hub nose 312′ furthercomprises a square platform 710 with all four round corners. Each roundcorner features a snap ring groove 712 for coupling with snap ring 708.In one embodiment, hub noses 312′ extend through the sealing spring 402until square platform 710 is outside of rubber boot 110 of sealassemblies 510′. In one embodiment, seal assemblies 510′ further consistof sealing spring 402 and rubber boot 110, retaining plate 107′ and snapring 708. The main function of seal assemblies 510′ is to provide acomplete seal of the entire rotary shock absorber 100′ on both ends. Asshown in FIG. 5, seal assembly retaining plate 107′ is a cap with a flatskirt portion 352′ and a retaining plate axle bore 109′ that matches thesquare platform 710 of hub nose 312′. Square platform 710 passes throughretaining plate axle bore 109′ of seal assembly retaining plate 107′.Snap ring 708 is then attached and snapped onto square platform 710 ofhub nose 312′ and locked firmly by the four snap ring grooves 712 on thesquare platform 710. A function of seal assembly retaining plate 107′ isto seal the entire rotary shock absorber 100′ from the outside. In oneembodiment, square platform 710 is further coupled to disc brakes of abicycle. In the cases that disc brakes are not present on a bicycle,flat skirt portion 352′ of seal assembly retaining plate 107′ will beslightly modified and given a larger diameter so that it also providesprotection for the seal assembly 510′.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods andmaterials are now described. All publications and patent documentsreferenced in the present invention are incorporated herein byreference.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear inillustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to thoseskilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in thepractice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adaptedto specific environments and operative requirements without departingfrom those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover andembrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the truepurview, spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle and between a disc brakerotor and a rotatable wheel, for providing suspension to a vehicle orother rolling equipment, the rotary shock absorber comprising anair-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the discstructure having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled toand sealing the central circular opening on one side and a sealing bootportion coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on the otherside, and a circular hub portion nesting smoothly and snugly inside thehollow disc structure, the hub portion having six circular throughholes, two identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of thesix circular through holes, six lug bolts each having two threaded endsand a smooth body, each of the six lug bolts coupled rigidly andperpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helicalsprings and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow discstructure.
 2. A rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle and between adisc brake rotor and a rotatable wheel, for providing suspension to avehicle and other rolling equipment, the rotary shock absorbercomprising: a circular outer plate portion, the outer plate portionhaving a flat circular base, a side rim, a central circular opening anda plurality of through holes, the central circular opening sealed by acircular sealing plate portion attached to the outside surface of theouter plate portion; a circular inner plate portion, the inner plateportion having a flat circular base, a side rim, a central circularopening and a plurality of through holes correspondingly to the throughholes on the outer plate portion, the inner plate portion coupled to theouter plate portion at their respective rims and fastened togethermechanically to create an air-tight cavity, the inner plate portionfurther having a circular flange on an outside surface around thecentral circular opening; a circular disc hub portion nesting inside thecavity between the outer plate portion and inner plate portion, thecircular disc hub portion further having a plurality of circular throughholes distributed evenly and a nose portion attached integrally andextending perpendicularly at its center, the nose portion further havinga central hole having spline slot pattern corresponding a spline slotpattern on the axle of the rolling equipment, the nose portion extendingoutwardly and perpendicularly to the central circular opening in theinner plate portion; a plurality of helical springs, each helical springhaving an outside diameter slightly larger than the diameter of thecircular through holes of the circular disc hub, each helical springnesting firmly inside the circular through holes, each helical springcoupled rigidly to a lug bolt at the center, the lug bolts having ashort threaded end, a long threaded end and a smooth body, the shortthreaded end coupled at one of the through holes on the inner plate andthe longer threaded end coupled at the corresponding through hole on theouter plate, the longer threaded end further extending beyond the outerplate and coupled mechanically to the wheel of a motor vehicle; whereinvibrations created at the wheel are transmitted through the lug boltsand absorbed by the helical springs; and a sealing boot sitting insidethe flange of the inner plate, the sealing boot comprising a conicalcompression spring and a hollow conical boot portion, the compressionspring slightly compressed both radially and axially and nesting insidethe conical boot portion for securing the sealing position of theconical boot portion on the flange, the nose portion of the hub furtherextending beyond the sealing boot perpendicularly and attachedmechanically to a sealing plate portion outside the sealing boot, thesealing plate portion comprising a circular disc having a central keyedhole with spline slot pattern matching that of the axle of a rollingequipment, thereby providing a seal of the sealing boot and an openingto the axle.
 3. The rotary shock absorber of claim 2 in which the entirestructure of the rotary shock absorber is sealed from the outside andthe cavity is filled with lubricant.
 4. The rotary shock absorber ofclaim 2 in which the helical springs are flat and in the pattern of thespiral of Archimedes.
 5. The rotary shock absorber of claim 2 in whichthe quantity of the circular through holes is selected from the groupconsisting of two, four, six and eight.
 6. The rotary shock absorber ofclaim 2 in which the body of the lug bolts have a slightly largerdiameter than the threaded ends thereof.
 7. The rotary shock absorber ofclaim 2 in which the seal between the inner plate portion and outerplate portion further has a circular sealing ring.
 8. The rotary shockabsorber of claim 7 in which the circular sealing ring is an elasticseal providing complete seal between the inner plate portion and theouter plate portion.
 9. The rotary shock absorber of claim 2 in whichthe rolling equipment is a wheeled vehicle.
 10. A rotary shock absorbercoupled to the axle of a bicycle wheel and at the center of the wheel,for providing suspension, the rotary shock absorber comprising: twoidentical circular side plate portions, the side plate portions having aflat circular base, a side rim, a central circular opening and aplurality of through holes, the side plate portions coupled to eachother at their respective rims and locked together mechanically tocreate an air-tight cavity, each side plate portion further having acircular flange on the outside surface around the central circularopening, the side rim having a plurality of bicycle wheel spoke holes; acircular disc hub portion nesting inside the cavity between the twoidentical side plate portions, the circular disc hub portion having aplurality of circular through holes distributed evenly and two identicalnose portions attached integrally and extending perpendicularly andoutwardly at its center, the nose portions each having a central holecorresponding to the outer diameter of the axle of a bicycle, the noseportions extending outward and perpendicular to the central circularopening in the side plate portions, the nose portions further having asquare platform at their tips; a plurality of helical springs, eachhelical spring having an outside diameter slightly larger than thediameter of the circular through holes of the circular disc hub andnesting firmly inside the circular through holes, wherein vibrationscreated at the wheel are transmitted to the plurality of helical springsand thereby dissipated, each helical spring coupled rigidly to a lugbolt at the center, the lug bolt each having two threaded ends and asmooth body, each threaded end coupled at one of the through holes onthe side plate portions; and two identical sealing boots sitting insidethe flange of each of the side plate portions, each sealing bootcomprising a conical compression spring and a hollow conical bootportion, the compression spring slightly compressed both radially andaxially and nesting inside the conical boot portion, thereby securingthe sealing position of the conical boot portion inside and on the hubnose, each nose portion of the hub portion extending beyond the sealingboot perpendicularly and attached mechanically to a sealing plateportion outside of the sealing boot, the sealing plate portioncomprising a circular disc having a central keyed hole matching thepattern of the square platform of the hub nose portion, therebyproviding sealing for the boot and opening to the axle.